Former Pocklington School pupil makes England under-19 rugby squad

Lewis, 19, who left Pocklington School last summer, made his debut for England U18s last year

Former Pocklington School pupil Lewis Wilson has been selected for England’s Under-19 rugby union team to take on France tomorrow [Saturday 1st April] in a friendly fixture.

Lewis, 19, who left Pocklington School last summer, made his debut for England U18s last year, and his determination to progress to the U19s has paid off.

He is travelling with the squad to take on the France U19 team at the Stade Jules Ladoumègue, near Paris (6.30pm KO).

Sean Houltham, Master i/c Rugby at Pocklington School, said:

“This is a significant step in Lewis’ rugby career progression and is a well-deserved reflection of his hard work, dedication and considerable talent.

"We're extremely proud of Lewis at Pocklington School and closely follow his progress. We wish him and all the squad the best of luck tomorrow."

Lewis, a flanker, is currently on loan from RFU Championship side Yorkshire Carnegie to National League Two North team Wharfedale. His long-term aim is to return to establish himself with Yorkshire Carnegie and to go on to make his U20s debut next season.

Yorkshire Carnegie Academy Manager Jon Pendlebury said:

"This is just reward for Lewis’ efforts and performances this season, not just with Yorkshire Carnegie, but also the role Wharfedale have played in supporting and further progressing his development towards involvement at a Senior level and England U19 level. The England U19 fixture is a step towards possible inclusion next season as an U20 and one target that I know Lewis will have next season.

“It is also reward for Pocklington RUFC along with Pocklington School who can take an awful lot of pride from this squad announcement. It's a great story for both club and school in supporting player progression in the County and shows how the club and school pathway to Academy partnership works.

“Credit to Lewis' junior coaches Chris Ingle and Andrew Richardson along with school coach Sean Houltham who we have worked with very closely over this past three seasons in all the time and effort they have put in with Lewis."